Get my lastest post delivered to your email inbox!

Search This Blog

WBMW

Sister Beck is Doing Something Extraordinary!

Julie B. Beck, general president of the Relief Society, is doing something extraordinary and unprecedented... She is reaching out to LDS women via Mormon Mommy Blogs. Apparently she called an exclusive meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, to enlist their help, by asking them to invite their readers to ask her any question they want -- on their blog!

That's right! You have the opportunity to ask Sister Beck any question you have -- about anything!

And next week, Mormon Mommy Blogs will take these questions to a 90 minute taped interview, unscripted, with Sister Beck -- for The Mormon Channel.

Here are a few suggested questions, offered by MMB:

Why do only men hold the priesthood?

How do women really fit into the church? Do they have a place?

Why were Relief Society Meetings-- formerly known as Enrichment-- formerly known as Home, Family and Personal Enrichment--formerly known as Homemaking done away with?

However, it shouldn't be surprising that Mormon women are taking this opportunity to go beyond these relatively easy questions and are going after the hard stuff. Check out some of the questions already left on MMB blog, requesting Sister Beck address...

"OOH! I have one! When I was getting a new calling, the bishopric had called my husband in advance and asked HIM if it was okay to extend me a calling. Which I thought was weird and archaic, but THEN when HE got a new calling, nobody called me to see if I was okay with it. Is that a normal church thing, or was that just my ward?" ~Sara

"I want to know what words of encouragement she would offer the sisters of the church who find themselves doing everything they have been asked to do-- callings, temple, reading scriptures, praying, tithing etc and their "happily ever after" hasn't been realized... or it isn't the version that they dreamed about in their youth." ~Erica

"Is she aware of the backlash from her talk "Mothers That Know" and does she care? Looking back, would she say anything differently? Change anything? I get what she was trying to say, but it didn't come off the way I think she intended... What are her feelings about that talk now?" ~Curious

"Why do we almost exclusively learn about male church leaders in our Relief Society classes, but the Priesthood classes don't ever study notable women in the church? What is the place of single women in the church--really--not just the cute and trite little things we hear all the time. Are single women just supposed to sit their lives out waiting for a family in the afterlife, or do we have a role in the church on earth that is other than simply caring for other women's children?... ~Confirmed Spinster

"To her knowledge has their ever been a serious, sustained effort by leadership including herself to study, research and petition the Lord for more knowledge about Heavenly Mother, understanding polygamy, and the divine role of women in the eternities? (Something like the process that led to the change in the Priesthood policies for blacks - multi-year, apostolic commissions, continual effort etc) If so can you tell us more about such efforts. If not why in your opinion has this not been a focus given the imbalance in knowledge about women's divine destiny? The most extensive information we have comes directly from teachings and the era of polygamy making this especially problematic for many. Is it reasonable to be hopeful as members that significant new information might be received on these issues in our lifetime or is it better for us to accept that we will only have existing cannon and history to work with?" ~Anonymous

"I would like to hear her opinion about the problematic language and sexism of the temple ceremony. While many aspects of the endowment are so beautiful, relegating women to secondary status (why is Eve created?) seems to underpin other sexist practices in the church. If the church no longer practices polygamy, why are men still allowed to be sealed to more than one woman in the temple? Does the church still consider polygamy a celestial law? Does church leadership understand that these practices leave many women feeling that our religion does not view men and women as equals before God?" ~Vinniecat

Heard enough? (there's more) Anyway, no doubt Sister Beck is well aware of these concerns that many LDS women have, and will not be surprised that they are taking this extraordinary opportunity to hear what she might have to say in this interview. And no doubt many of the questions that are being posted are coming from less than happy Mormon women, some of which most likely are somewhat distant from the Church. (but that's not to say that many very active women in the Church don't, on occasion, wonder some of the same things) However, I believe that Sister Beck knew when she decided to step out like this, that this would be the result. I love that about her. And I appreciate her willingness to connect with the women of the Church on such an intimate level.

I can't wait to listen to the interview -- and then come back and discuss some of her answers!

So, if you have a question that you've been dying to ask a Church leader, but never thought you'd have the chance, head on over to Mormon Mommy Blogs and post your question to Sister Beck... HERE!

tDMgKathryn Skaggs

Update: I just heard this from a great FB friend...

Did you also know that you can email her questions for the RS program on the Mormon Channel at mormonchannel@ldschurch.org and they could be answered in an upcoming Relief Society question and answer episode (she records them monthly). You may also record your question by calling 1-877-MYLDS32 and leave your question.

Note: Make sure and share this info with other LDS women, so that as many as possible have a chance to ask Sister Beck a question. :)

Comments

Pretty cool, but sadly I couldn't find a way to post a truly anon question. I have one I'd LOVED answered for a great many women I know and love but I'm not going to be the one to put it out there with my name and deal with fall out. I have drama llamas that stalk me.

She is one of my Hero's. I've always loved what she has had to say and nothing has offended me.

Clearly there will be polygamy in the next life and for a single 39 year old woman I say AMEN! If there was polygamy today there would be no need for the single adult program. I'd be a wife and a mother. It can be lived righteously and is about Charity. I could give a little message on that. She gave one talk on the mormon channel taht addressed the priesthood issue and you know what she said? "your asking the wrong question". Then- she brought up the temple! Fear not questioning, doubting sisters. This woman (Julie B. Beck)knows!

I'm actually really interested in this and I am not Mormon. However, my 17 yr old son converted to the church a year or so ago. I was very much against it at first, being raised Southern Baptist, but I have come to realize it has been a blessing in his life. Although I have different beliefs, I respect his and find that it is very hard to find unbiased information on the internet regarding Mormonism. Either people call it a cult or people love it. But, those people are Mormon. I can't wait to hear some of these questions and answers from this person!

Mine too. And I've never had a problem with anything she's said either. In fact, I think she is generally spot on -- very inspired. But as with most things, people don't want to hear truth if it's oppositional to how they're living and the choices they are making.

Personally I don't have a firm position on polygamy in the next life -- I vacillate on the topic. However, I can appreciate your perspective. And I absolutely agree, the principle is one of charity -- which many of us struggle with.

Like I said to you via Twitter, I'm grateful to hear that the Church has been a blessing to your son. I was 17 when I decided to be an active member of the Church. I often reflect on how different my life would have been if I had not made that decision. So many blessings that I am so thankful for are directly tied to that one decision. I know for sure that I've been a better mother and wife -- and person.

I have to tell you, that most members of the LDS/Mormon Church are pretty honest about their faith. I really try to be. Critics of the Church would disagree. Many feel we're all just living in some bubble, ignorant of what the Church 'really' teaches. That could't be further from the truth.

I would encourage you, that if you really are curious about our beliefs, that getting to know its members is your best source. I think that would help a lot in understanding your son's decision.

Like you, I 'm really looking forward to hearing what and how Sister Beck addresses the many questions that are coming her way. One thing I've learned about Julie Beck, is that she's a straight shooter, and that's one of the things I love about her. I trust her.

Thanks for your response. To be honest, I've been scared to really get to know members of his church for fear of them trying to convert me! I know that is petty, but I have a really hard time debating someone theologically, so if they say something I don't agree with, I don't always have the religious education to back my views. (More than just verses.)

I can't say I blame you! We are a proselyting church! But really, members in general are happy to talk about our beliefs and most aren't interested in debate or necessarily converting someone. It's those missionaries you need to watch out for! ; )

Personally, I don't debate my beliefs with anyone -- I simply share what I believe and understand about my own faith -- while respecting differences I might have with others.

And I don't think that any of us need to be theological experts about what we believe. I'm certainly not. Belief in God begins with faith in His words and our experience with living what He teaches according to our understanding. I would never argue anyone's personal conviction that are based in faith.

Thank you for posting about this wonderful thing that Sister Beck is doing! I recently discovered these Q&A sessions through another blog and have been recommending them to all my friends. I think many women of the Church are missing out on wonderful resources simply because they don't know about them.

Sister Beck is truly an inspired woman, and I have grown to love her through listening to these interviews. I believe she has a vision for women in the Church and our role in the Lord's kingdom. I think the role of women in the Church is a lot more extensive and important that many people realize. I'm a student at BYU, and one of the things I'm studying this semester is what it means to be a Mormon woman in the 21st century. I'm anxious to see what both you and Sister Beck have to say on the subject!